Spring Newsletter

Hello Travellers,

Spring is finally here and, as always, we hope you are all keeping well and coping during this “mess”.

What a year it’s been. We are trying to remain positive despite the enormous challenges we and our business face at the moment. I’m not going to lie, it has been utterly brutal. Our industry has been decimated like never before and we are heartbroken refunding a years worth of hard work (and revenue). But what hurts most is having to cancel all your amazing travel plans! We travel for so many different reasons and right now we are all sitting here wondering when we will be able to do it again, especially us Victorians.

Even when we do travel again (and it will happen!), it probably won’t be the same for quite some time and how we travel may look quite different. I am working on some information for you in regards to post-COVID travel and will also be sending a survey in the near future; I would love your insights.

Refunds are still taking an extremely long time to process in most cases. Some airlines have allowed automated refunds to begin again which eliminates the need for a “human” to manually process them. Even so, with the sheer volume of refunds and skeleton staff within our suppliers the backlog is still very real. Some areas are starting to move a little more quickly but with the latest lockdowns came more requests for refunds from previously accepted credits. On that note, I can’t thank you all enough for your patience while waiting for refunds, we really do appreciate it as we work on your behalf to try and get this all finalized as quickly as possible.

Hang in there, we will get through this!

On a brighter note, we had some cheer on the 1st July to celebrate our 20th birthday! Thank you to all those that attended, virtually of course. It was lovely to see so many friendly faces again and we will get those prizes out to the winners as soon as we can. If you missed our slideshow which covers some of our history, and a few of our own personal travel happy snaps, you can check it out here

I am also excited to announce that we are working on an online store for the website which will have a multitude of products available at your fingertips. Stay tuned for further updates on this.

And another important announcement we are thrilled to share with you is that we have partnered with Luxury Escapes so you can now book these incredible deals direct with us!

Whilst Luxury Escapes covers some of the world’s top destinations, COVID continues to halt our immediate travel plans internationally however they have been hard at work creating some brilliant ideas and deals within Australia and New Zealand.

They also offer a “buy now, choose dates later” option so you can secure great travel deals at amazing prices and decide your hotel booking dates later within the validity period. Along with their 7 Day Change of Mind Guarantee, it’s refreshing to deal with such a dynamic company.

You can check out all the deals on LuxuryEscapes.com and then get in touch with your consultant when you are ready to book.

Just a reminder, please keep us in mind for all your domestic travel (when the time is right). We need your support now more than ever and can help book your little weekend away locally or longer domestic trips further afield.
I personally can’t wait to get away soon and enjoy all our country has to offer. I’d even be happy with a trip to Geelong right now!

As always, if you have any suggestions on what you would like to see more of in our newsletters, emails or socials please send them in.

We look forward to speaking with you soon, take care out there!

Susie & The Team
(Jannene, Robyn & Rochelle)

Travel News & Tips

If you need to leave the country at the moment you need to apply for an exemption with Home Affairs.  Here is the link with the info and to apply. You may also need to apply for other permits if you are transiting within Australia to your international flight. We can book flights at the moment for people that qualify for the exemption and can help you navigate travelling the COVID way.  IATA (International Air Transport Association) also has some good information regarding air travel here

Travel Insurance is still essential for domestic trips.
Consider unexpected cancellations (non-pandemic related), losing your Gucci sunnies, or the value of an included rental car excess.

Visit Victoria’s latest “Pieces of Victoria” campaign has some great ideas to support our state and the small business owners who call Victoria home.

Just for fun!

We didn’t hire Rochelle just for her travel skills!

Rochelle’s ” Monthly Motivational Calendar”
Full disclosure, Rochelle didn’t create this but she normally she sticks it on the wall in the office every month to keep a pep in our step!
Click here to download & read more about it.

The 8 best Spring traditions around the world

1. Songkran Water Festival, Thailand
2. White House Easter Egg Roll,USA
3.    Holi, Northern India
4. Nowruz,Central Asia
5. Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, Gloucester, England
6. Cimburijada, Bosnia
7. Spring Equinox in Teotihuacán,Mexico
8. Floriade,Australia